Fiber Loss Calculators

Always use the same units (inches or mm) in each calculation (unless indicated).
Enter your numbers into the light orange cells. To recalculate, press the TAB key, or click in another yellow box, or click the Update button. Other formulas you’d like to see?Todd@fiberopticsystems.com

Note: Turn phone horizontal for best results.

Glass

Fused Silica

Plastic

Typical Index of Refraction

1.58

1.46

1.49

Typical Attenuation (dB/Meter)

0.67

0.01

0.27

Actual index and attenuation values depend on wavelength and are available from the manufacturer.

Fiber Internal Transmission

Fiber Length (Meters)

Attenuation (dB/m)

Total Internal Tx (%)

(Three calculations provided for comparison)

Internal Transmission is the loss within the fiber itself.

Surface Reflection Loss at Normal Incidence

Index of Refraction

Air Index

% Loss/ Surface

% Tx

dB Loss/ Surface

%Tx 2 Surfaces

Reflection losses can be reduced with Anti-Reflection coatings or Index Matching Gel.